After spending the last two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team is likely to cut defensive end Arik Armstead to save cap space. The Jaguars reportedly will release the veteran due to salary cap concerns as they’re getting younger at the position either way under head coach Liam Coen. Armstead doesn’t have any guarantees left on the three-year deal he originally signed, which makes it easier for the Jaguars to release him. The veteran struggled in his first season as a Jaguar, recording two sacks before improving his play during his second year in Jacksonville.

With other players like DaVon Hamilton, Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker on contracts, Armstead’s release is likely imminent. It would hurt for the Jaguars to release Armstead, given his improved performance, but they are one of the teams without much financial freedom. It’s why the team let RB Travis Etienne walk in free agency, and could soon trade WR Brian Thomas Jr. in a potential deal this upcoming NFL Draft.

Jaguars Expected to Cut 41-Sack Veteran Arik Armstead, 3 Landing Spots Emerge

Selected as a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the veteran was a part of the San Francisco 49ers’ Super Bowl run during the 2023 regular season. Despite posting five sacks while playing on a torn meniscus, the 49ers ultimately lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the big game, 25-22. With the 49ers having injury concerns for Armstead, the team decided not to extend the defensive end.

Armstead will be 33 by the time the 2026 regular season begins, so he should be able to have some type of market right before preseason commences. The defensive end will need to wait to gain interest, but it shouldn’t be long before he finds a new home. He won’t fetch the greatest deal, but these teams could show interest.

Potential Next Teams
Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles prioritized retaining most of their secondary talent despite losing safety Reed Blankenship in free agency. With Jaelan Phillips gone as a major hit to this team’s defense, it wouldn’t be surprising if the team targets Armstead. The veteran is a cheap option for a team that is looking for depth at the pass-rushing position. Jalen Carter is one of the best defensive ends in the league, but Moro Ojomo could use the help.

Between Ojomo and Ty Robinson, there is clearly work to be done. Armstead won’t completely repair the pass-rush to assist Ojomo, but he’s a low-risk investment for a team that still has a Super Bowl-caliber defense.

Los Angeles Chargers

Meanwhile, the Chargers may have lost defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to the Ravens, but they’ve still re-signed Khalil Mack and Teair Tart. Unfortunately, the team lost Da’Shawn Hand, who was a gem find last offseason for this Chargers defense, but they’ve luckily signed Dalvin Tomlinson to a deal this free agency. However, there is still work to be done to build a formidable veteran defensive presence.

Armstead won’t be the long-term fix for the Chargers’ pass-rush, but he would be a major boost for Tart and Justin Eboigbe.

New Orleans Saints

With DeMario Davis gone and Cameron Jordan still a free agent, the Saints might want to sign Armstead once he’s a free agent. The Saints prioritized restructuring Carl Granderson’s contract while re-signing Chris Rumph for defensive end depth. However, they need a starter, and Armstead could fill the hole in a temporary role to help a defense that took a somewhat of a hit in free agency.